Crybabies of Rock: Satchel's "Pussy Melter" TonePrint Gets 'Melted' Over its Name

Summary

The host discusses the backlash to Steel Panther guitarist Satchel’s collaboration with TC Electronic on a guitar-delay TonePrint called “Pussy Melter.” The app lets users download signature sounds from guitarists. The preset’s promotional copy included sexual jokes in keeping with Steel Panther’s deliberately crude glam-metal persona.

A musician associated with the band Braids criticized the description and promoted a petition to change or remove it. A separate petition, created by Jessica Finelli, called for the preset and other Satchel presets to be removed, arguing that the product reinforced sexism in the guitar industry.

The host argues that Steel Panther’s lyrics and marketing are intentionally comic and should not be treated as endorsements of real misogyny. They say listeners can dislike the band’s humor without assuming its fans take it literally. The host also cites vocalist Michael Starr’s comments that audiences know what to expect at the shows and can choose not to participate or to leave.

TC Electronic removed the TonePrint and apologized, saying it understood that people had been offended and that the material was inappropriate, though the company had not intended to offend. The host criticizes TC Electronic for removing the preset instead of seeking a compromise, such as changing its name or description, and says the guitar sound could have remained available.

Presenters and Contributors

• Presenters: Shades (also identified in the opening as “RER”); Chad is also named in the opening.
• Quoted or discussed contributors: Satchel (Russ Parrish), Michael Starr, Raphael Standel Preston, and Jessica Finelli.